Opinion

Ministers must listen to concerns of businesses

The fact that we are seeing greater transparency around the evidence that has guided ministerial decisions on coronavirus is certainly a welcome development.

However, the details contained in the documents published on Tuesday show not just the complex picture facing the executive but have fuelled a sense of grievance among those directly impacted by finely balanced considerations.

It is worth noting that the executive could have gone further that the circuit breaker which is now in place and which has shut down hospitality and close contact services.

This range of measures is regarded as offering a 'moderate impact' on the crucial R number, which currently stands at 1.4.

As a briefing document shows, the top option, which would have delivered a 'very high impact', was a full lockdown, with a stay at home order, schools and non-essential retail closed and places of worship shut.

In other words, while the present level of restrictions is seen as severe, we could have faced even worse and may yet if the number of cases is not brought down.

Nevertheless, it is very difficult for businesses that have been forced to close their doors to see that the evidence behind these decisions is far from overwhelming.

The scientific paper estimated that the closure of hairdressers, barbers and beauticians could reduce the R number by 0.05, while the closure of pubs and restaurants could decrease it by between 0.1 to 0.2.

It said closing close contact services would have a low impact on Covid-19 transmission, warning it would disproportionately affect low-income workers and women.

Chief scientific adviser Professor Ian Young has been defending the data, pointing out that even small numbers, particularly when R is close to one, can have an enormous difference.

"We need for this period all of the levers that we can get to achieve the impact that we need," he said.

There is no doubt that the executive must take decisive action to address the appallingly high level of positive cases in our community, which is being translated into sharply rising numbers of people being admitted to hospital.

Ministers must also listen to the concerns of those who have invested in making their premises safe but are enduring enormous financial stress as the result of the latest restrictions.